Here are four things that I believe are important about sending thank you notes. I hope you’ll agree!

Do it SOON. Although sending notes is better late than never, there’s no time like NOW. The gift-giver probably spent more time picking out your gift than you spent opening it. So spend a few minutes right away writing a thank you note. This week would be a perfect time.

Don’t use email, texts or voice mail messages. Sorry, these just don’t work for us fabulous women! If you’re a teenager, maybe it’s OK. But once you are an adult and are giving gifts to or receiving gifts from other adults, you’ll need to send a note in an envelope with a stamp! (I think teenagers should send handwritten notes to grandparents and other adults, too, but that’s another story.)

Make your note personal and sincere. Tell the gift-giver why you like the gift and/or how you’re going to use it.

Write a note even if you’ve thanked the gift-giver in person. It takes so little time and will generate such great feelings.

Family members and friends who gave me gifts this holiday season deserve a few minutes of my time, a card or piece of stationery, and a stamp. Don’t yours?

Great question, Cathie. I’m with your husband on this one. My good friend Patty and I exchange gifts and so do my brother and I. We always exchange thank you notes, too. Any other readers want to weigh in on this one?